Keep your home and family safe by preparing for cold spells.
Prevent Frozen Pipes
Make sure your home is winter ready. Have your heating system inspected and serviced to ensure it is good working order. If you are using a space heater, make sure it has an auto shut-off in case it tips over. Also:
- repair and seal cracks around windows and doors
- fill spaces around pipes to prevent cold airflow
- keep the thermostat above 55 degrees
- open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes
- know the location of the main water shut-off valve for your home
- consider purchasing an automatic water shut-off device for your home
Make an Emergency Kit
Build your home emergency kit or make sure your existing kit is up-to-date. Include everything that everyone in your family would need to stay safe for at least 72 hours, and don’t forget your pets.
Assemble a kit for each car in case you become stranded in a winter storm. Consider lightweight, smaller versions of supplies that you can take with you if you must evacuate. Provide a “Go Bag” or “Bug-Out Bag” for each family member. Print this shopping list for your kits.
Review Safety Tips
Learn what actions are important before, during and after winter storms and in extreme cold. Specific steps can help ensure that you and your family are able to ride out the storm safely.
Anticipate Power Outages
Prepare for power outages. Winter storms and extremely cold temperatures can down lines and disrupt services. Read these tips about how to prepare now to manage a power loss.
Prepare for Extreme Cold
If you are outdoors in winter weather, remember that extreme cold can be dangerous. Dress in layers, cover your skin and limit the amount of time you spend outside.
If you plan to travel this winter, stay off icy roads during winter storm advisories. While driving, slow down and accelerate slowly. Keep your gas tank nearly full to help prevent ice from forming in the tank and fuel lines.
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